Filmmaking / Directing : BLOG: "How To Make A Successful Short Film On Your Own Terms" by Maurice Vaughan

It's a really great blog, resonated a lot! Especially the 'synchronicity' - when I have been making something in circumstances where the odds seemed stacked against me (for example, Lockdown, lack of funds etc) and yet things kept falling into place, pulling together, like magic!

I don't think I've heard of "synchronicity" before this blog, Julia Warren. It does feel great when things fall into place when the odds are stacked against you.

Yeah, I am more used to the word 'serendipity' myself, kept thinking that when I was filming; so many lucky chances seemed to keep popping up. Also planning ahead, and using what you have already!

Yeah, planning ahead definitely helps. Even if things change or things come up, it's always great to have a plan. And a backup plan.

Definitely, and I think it might have been Dan Harmon (among others) who says that 90% of filming is in the planning. (Maybe even 99%). I'll see if I can dig up the quote.

Ok, thanks, Julia Warren. I like to plan my scripts, but I also like to leave enough space to think of new things as I write.

@Maurice Many thanks for the share. Refreshing to hear a speak the truth passion blog by a regular film artist. Projects are burning desires from within not an “easy polyester fit” to dress social media likes or notoriety.

Julio Rojas has a very interesting developing method! Had a course with him once, great professor also!

You're welcome, Debbie Croysdale. Can you explain what you mean by "Projects are burning desires from within not an “easy polyester fit” to dress social media likes or notoriety"? I feel like I kind of understand what you mean, but I'm not sure. :)

Did you take Julio Rojas' course online or in person, Lorena Corrêa?

Welcome Rosalind Winton! Thanks for sharing Maurice!

You're welcome, Leonor LeRu.

Maurice Vaughan Online!

Do you remember the name of the course, Lorena Corrêa?

Hi @Maurice “Easy Fit” labels have been in most big clothes stores decades, garment stretches to buyers needs rather than a unique bespoke stand alone piece. There is chronic insecurity in some film makers to turn their fire within into a tangible film reel in case it is not liked or won’t appeal to the masses so they do easy fit. An innovative leap maybe daunting but it’s only a step away. Original screen ideas can morph into watered down comfortable tableaus through fear of rejection and a need in artist to gain acceptance. Many filmmakers do break the mould of mainstream expectations, trends or brownie points on industry websites but not enough. LOL Sorry if I confused anyone “Polyester” was before easy fit Lycra.

Debbie - I recall a bright young woman back in San Francisco that tried building her career as a fashion designer. She was good too, but her name was Polly Ester - company didn't do well.

Thanks for explaining, Debbie Croysdale. I've seen fear/lack of confidence cause creatives to avoid showing their work or submitting a project (ex: to a festival). I've also seen fear/lack of confidence cause creatives to turn their original ideas into something unoriginal/trendy/flashy (similar to what you said "Original screen ideas can morph into watered down comfortable tableaus through fear of rejection and a need in artist to gain acceptance").

@Doug LOL I saw that comin! You always cheer me up. @All I was on a train of thought in this thread. A film is a product. A production line is designed to eliminate errors and make imperfections obsolete. But who are the gate keepers to force these rules? Colonel Sanders chicken and Harry Potter though very different products were rejected several times before world fame. Robots are designed not to make mistakes but writers and filmmakers should put fear of rejection on back burner.

"A film is a product. A production line is designed to eliminate errors and make imperfections obsolete." And we (writers, directors, producers, actors, etc.) are the workers on the production line, making sure we eliminate errors and make imperfections obsolete (in our products -- the films and shows), right, Debbie Croysdale? :)

@Maurice Yeah and bypass the gatekeepers of rules of the day. I like title of thread, "On your own terms." To some this concept may already be successfully in the bag. Eg. Filmmakers such as Tarantino who didn't just break the rules but smashed them all up and destroyed them. To others it may be a risk of total humiliation to create something unique but true originality can't be predicted and mistakes along the way can lead to an eventual masterpiece.

I also have the book 'PRODUCER TO PRODUCER by Maureen A Ryan that is very helpful. Glad we have all the resources that we all need. Thanks for sharing Maurice!